Structural Realism

1
(No Transcript)
2
Structural Realism

• Peter Beckman
• Political Science 180

3
Premises

• State behavior determined essentially by power
  distribution
• States respond to the distribution of power
• Security
• Promotion of interests

4
Power

• Components of power
• The calculation of overall power

5
Structure of the International System

• Structure as a concept
• Variations in structure
• Variations in patterns of behavior
• Basic argument
• structure patterns of behavior

6
Power distribution

• Five or more major powers
• Relatively equal distribution of power
• How are states likely to behave?

7
Expected Patterns

• Alliances
• Self-help
• What about war?
• What do those patterns do to promote . . .
• security?
• promotion of interests?

8
Current power distribution

• What is the current distribution?
• How might perception matter?

9
Even more current power!

• What was the distribution of power during this
  presidency?